Bruck an der Mur (Styria, Austria)

Bruck is seat of the district government in Styria (Austria), where the Anabaptist movement became widespread in the 16th century. Here nine men and three women were martyred in 1528. It was a moving tragedy that was played here. While the Brethren were bound and led to the place of execution, they were undismayed and said, "Today we will suffer at this place for the sake of God's Word and offer Him our sacrifice." They appealed earnestly to the conscience of the councilors of Bruck, warning them against shedding innocent blood. The youngest wished to be the first to receive the death blow. The chronicle says, "They were undismayed and it was wonderful to see how cheerfully they shed their blood." The three sisters likewise went to their death by drowning with joyful hearts. Some considered their steadfastness as the work of the devil, but others were moved to exclaim, "God must be doing this; otherwise it would not be possible." The song, "Nun wollen wir aber singen jetzt und zu dieser Frist" (16 stanzas), deals with this execution. It is found in Wackernagel, Kirchenlied and in the Lieder der Hutterischen Brüder.